Constipation

[calluna]

I came across this article on NCBI today, the conclusions seem very clear although rather counter to 'received knowledge' . But then, as we know already, 'received knowledge' isn't always right in the first place. I thought that I would post this here as it concerns a problem that lots of us with PN have to deal with.

Anyway, here it is -

Stopping or reducing dietary fiber intake reduces constipation and its associated symptoms

I think this is interesting. Over the last year, I have a lot less of a problem with constipation than I used to - in fact, really it is hardly a problem at all now. I used to make sure that I had at least the 'required' 30 grams of fibre a day, and I also had lots of gut problems. Nowadays we've thrown away the fibre supplements and the high-fibre breakfast cereals, and our only fibre comes from the veg that we eat. (Also fruit of course, but there is not a lot of that.)

[Rosemary]

I had anal surgery in 2010 - the consultant i saw said that stuff like all bran acts like concrete in the rectum and to avoid it.

Rosemary

[Karyn]

Great article, Calluna. Thank you!
I also appreciate your comment, Rosemary, as I have been told by colon specialists that the key to solving my bowel dysfunction was more fiber, even though it made matters much worse for me.
I can personally attest to an increased fiber intake causing all sorts of constipation problems.

Best,
Karyn

[calluna]

Well there it is in print anyway.

I know that when I ended up in the emergency room with an obstructed bowel they told me to stop all fibre supplements. I had been told to take fibre supplements and had been doing as I was told, it made things worse.... over to the Movicol/Miralax instead...

All the time we hear in ads and articles and so on, that fibre is good, more fibre is better still. Maybe I am getting cynical in my old age.....

But anyway, these days we don't eat grains at all. None. Instead we try to follow a paleo/primal lifestyle.

[Rosemary]

I also appreciate your comment, Rosemary, as I have been told by colon specialists

Best,
Karyn

Karyn

If you are interested my consultant/colorectal surgeon was Ian Daniels - he is known internationally for rectal cancer and reconstructive surgery - i trusted everything he told me.My doctor says that we are very lucky to have him locally.
(My surgery was only minor polyp removal)

Rosemary x

[david s.]

When I eliminated psyllium (the active ingredient in Metamucil, a high fiber supplement) from my diet, and substituted Colace, a stool softener, plus senna, a natural laxative, my problems with constipation from an injured pudendal nerve and from taking morphine, for pain, were solved. It has been ten years, or more, since I made this change. I drink adequate water and have a vegetarian diet, so my stools get enough water and fiber, without clogging my system with psyllium.

[TamaraSpence]

Sometimes eating proper diet can solve everything. I had my surgery back in 2011 and after that low content fiber diet was the only thing that I included in my diet. Control your diet to control your diseases. catastrophic injury

[sadie]

I found high doses of probiotics 10-15 billion organisms a capsule and lots of strains of good bacteria mine has 8 strains....... which is good bacteria.... will help with your intestinal and immune health,
and i eat 8 prunes a day and everything is perfect in that part of my health. Pharmacist and health food stores can teach you what you need. I am using Jarro-dophilus brand ESP .....but I think they are coming out in reg stores ( and I don't mean the brand "TRUE BIOTICS" but i am house bound with PGAD so I can't get out there to do the research . I also have a blender drink every morning with a frozen banana to make it cold instead of ice and baby spinach leaves with the stems removed and 2 cups of welches 100% concord grape juice with out sugar and that can help with constipation too. Good luck and God bless Sadie PS you are not going to get the probiotics you need from yogurt plus they are filled with sugar .

[helenlegs 11]

Love your frozen banana idea sadie. I add a bit of ginger to a morning juice, although I don't have banana in it. Ginger adds a zing. . . love my ginger 'hit'.
Parsnips juice up so nicely too and make a fantastic thick,creamy drink. Add spinach (which I also LOVE) to it, add anything really, apples, carrots, cucumber. Really fancy this now but have no parsnips !!
Helen

[srinmav]

Two bananas at night helps me reduce constipation, but not all the time.